Statement In Support of PRSA National’s DE&I Commitment

At PRSA Georgia, we passionately believe that fostering an environment where every voice is cherished, respected, and valued is vital to our mission. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) within our organization and the broader community is more than a strategic priority; it is the heart and soul of who we are. Diverse perspectives are the lifeblood of our Chapter, and an inclusive culture is the bedrock upon which we thrive and serve our members.

In alignment with the PRSA National statement published in February 2025, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to DE&I. We are dedicated to creating opportunities for all members, regardless of background, to thrive within the Chapter and your respective organizations.

As a vibrant hub of cultural diversity, economic activity, and a strong history of social justice, Georgia thrives on the varied perspectives and fresh ideas that a diverse community brings. Embracing DE&I principles ensures that our communications are not only reflective of the communities we serve but also resonate deeply with a multitude of audiences. Our commitment to inclusive communication helps build trust, foster community engagement, and drive social change, all essential for our state's growth and harmony.

At the heart of our commitment to DE&I is an acknowledgment that we are still on the path to improving our DE&I efforts. We know we have work to do individually and as an organization to ensure that our Chapter’s membership and leadership reflect our diverse community. We thank our members who have shared their experiences and feedback, which led to intentional objectives in our strategic plan. These include increasing the number of voices on our Board of Directors, ensuring speakers and topics at our events reflect our entire community, and, most importantly, simply ensuring that anyone engaging with our chapter feels seen, welcomed, and included. We know we can do more, and we will.

If you would like to discuss PRSA Georgia’s DE&I values or have ideas on how the chapter can enhance its efforts in this space, please email our president, Melissa Smith, APR.

You can view the PRSA National statement here.

PRSA Georgia’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

The dedicated Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee (DE&I) committee not only highlights the Chapter’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, but also it guides the organization in making sure our messages, images and engagement are inclusive and integrated into everything we do as a professional group: leaving no one out, and bringing everyone in.

Let us know if you are interested in volunteering!

If you would like to join the DE&I Committee, please reach out to Victoria Stanton at [email protected] for more information.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

The PRSA Board decided to establish a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee in the fall of 2020, following the murder of George Floyd and the global response and activism to eradicate systematic racism and discrimination. The first official DE&I Committee, led by a group of mighty leaders that have made this committee one of the most influential teams in our Chapter, was formed to help our members be part of this change. 

The foundational work in the first year of the committee included creating programs that highlighted PRSA Georgia’s continued commitment to DE&I and educating communicators on how to be more inclusive in their work and more mindful about diversity within our membership. The committee also prepared PRSA Georgia’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement. The statement brings thoughtfulness and intention behind every line and it speaks clearly to the values we need to be living each day as members of the Chapter and our community: 

PRSA Georgia is committed to transforming every layer of the Chapter, from board service to its newest members, by intentionally applying the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. By championing DE&I values at every level and advocating for applying their principles within the public relations profession and throughout our organization, we are contributing to the accountability and change needed to make the world more equitable and representative of all. We will use our influence and advocacy to increase understanding, perspectives, ideas, voices represented, and membership. By making a concerted effort to be inclusive and equitable in our practices and decision-making, we will use DE&I as a standard operating lens through which to look at our work and operation. The outcome is that those who join us in this honorable profession will be armed with a competitive advantage, be more aware, and will serve more effectively as communications counselors and community builders in society. It will also position our Chapter for excellence and growth. 

The statement is accompanied by a series of Beliefs for our chapter members that help guide our DE&I mission, which will be at the forefront of everything we do. We invite everyone to read the statements and the beliefs and promote a more diverse and inclusive environment for our Chapter and our community.

PRSA Georgia Beliefs: 

  • PRSA Georgia’s DE&I Committee believes diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging are integral to the evolution and growth of the public relations industry and must be integrated into the very fabric of everything PRSA and PRSA Georgia does.

  • As an industry, we have been better about including some voices over others. While the practice of public relations in the United States has evolved, a lack of a robust diverse pipeline and diversity in communication management positions persists. Studies indicate that young Black, Asian and Hispanic professionals are pursuing public relations as their career of choice and are underrepresented in the industry. With the minorities of today becoming the majority of tomorrow, being positioned to communicate and represent various voices through public relations and marketing will be essential to the effectiveness and survival of our industry.

  • Although the most obvious contexts of diversity include race, ethnicity, religion, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, country of origin, culture and diversity of thought, the definition of diversity continues to evolve and also includes class, socioeconomic status, life experiences, learning and working styles, and personality types and intellectual abilities and perspectives, in addition to cultural, political, religious and other beliefs. 

  • It is our determined mission to ensure full representation of these voices, not only by inviting everyone to pull up a seat at our table, but also encouraged them to use their unique voices while there, make a dish, develop a recipe and host the dinner, all while being encouraged and made to feel welcome to do so.

  • Respecting, embracing, celebrating and validating diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging are integral to PRSA Georgia’s DNA. It’s vital to the success of our profession, our members and the communities in which we live and work. It is essential and is our responsibility as members to carry this focus forward, beyond an emphasis because of current events, but for the health and prosperity of our industry.

  • Through our continued focus, programming and resources, we aim to represent the living actualization of DE&I as well as educate and inform members along the way, all while inviting those who are underrepresented to join the public relations industry and to be heard.

Meet the Committee:

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Do you know about the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee (DE&I) in PRSA Georgia? The dedicated DE&I committee not only highlights the Chapter’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; but also it guides the organization in making sure our messages, images and engagement are inclusive and a part of everything we do as a professional group, leaving no one out, and bringing everyone in.